I have previously provided members with updates on CCFC's legal cases against FC Nantes and Willie McKay.
I am now providing a further update dealing with the current position after inquiries were made of the club's legal advisors and we also looked at information about the case on the public record, as well as other sources.
In the claim against Nantes for compensation in respect of their dealings in the Emiliano Sala transfer, there is a court hearing in France on November 18 where Nantes have asked for an order for disclosure of documents by CCFC.
The club are opposing Nantes request on the basis that they don't really need the documents to defend themselves and that the application is a delaying tactic. A ruling on the point is not expected for some months.
Once the above issue is resolved, Nantes are expected to file a further defence to CCFC's claims and further exchanges of claims and defences are likely to follow with a formal trial towards the end of 2025.
It should be noted that a separate criminal case by the French authorities against Nantes and its owners and directors is still ongoing where they have requested the help and support of CCFC.
In the case against Willie McKay for disclosure of documents relevant to the claim against Nantes the McKays were ordered by the court to make full disclosure but did not do so properly or on time, ignoring several orders.
As a consequence they face a contempt of court case. This has not yet happened as Willie McKay has claimed that he has been severely unwell and unable to attend the court hearings set to date.
The court will decide whether he and his family must pay financial penalties and legal costs (He has already paid over £40k to date from earlier cost orders).
I understand that documents disclosed to date show Willie McKay was clearly and heavily involved as an agent of Nantes in the Sala transfer, a fact that was previously denied by Nantes as part of their defence.
On a separate issue, but perhaps a very worrying one, there have been some rumours that club senior management have received threats of violence from a party involved in the litigation. We can only comment to the extent of our enquiries of people who claim to have received such threats and there appears to be merit in such claims.
Keith Morgan
Trust Chair